Once you’ve written your novel, had it critiqued by a serious writer’s group, and rewritten it until you feel it is perfect, you’re ready to prepare a proposal so you can submit it for publication. I. What is a fiction book proposal? A proposal for a fiction novel is really a combination of several things: [...]

Taylor asked: What if you wanted to publish a book? I’m only fourteen, but I have a book that I’m working on writing, and my goal is for it to get published. Getting published is a great goal, Taylor. And age doesn’t matter. I’ve attended many writer’s conferences. Editors and agents are looking for great [...]

A synopsis is a one–two page version of your manuscript. Sometimes the agent or editor will ask for something longer. Give them exactly what they want. I was asked to provide a one-page synopsis of my novel and that is the example I have to give you. A synopsis should cover the main events and [...]

The cover letter accompanies your proposal to an agent or editor. It is not so much a pitch, as it is a reminder of who you are and why you are sending your proposal. The same rules apply to the cover letter as far a likes and dislikes. At this point, the agent or editor [...]

Here is the actual query letter for what became By Darkness Hid. I submitted this letter with a sample chapter to Jeff Gerke at the Oregon Christian Writer’s Conference. Jeff bought my Blood of Kings trilogy and published it through Marcher Lord Press. June 11, 2008 Jeff Gerke Marcher Lord Press 8345 Pepperridge Drive Colorado Springs, [...]